Low Speed Control System for Road Marking Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing road marking and maintenance vehicles face challenges in maintaining precise low speeds, especially on uneven terrain, which affects their ability to perform work effectively and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A low speed control system that includes a controller, speed display, rotary encoders, and Eddy current or mechanical brakes, allowing for real-time speed regulation and precise control of vehicles, which can be retrofitted onto existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual speed control is used on road marking vehicles, then the operator can adjust speed freely, but the vehicle cannot maintain precise low speeds on uneven terrain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using rotary encoders to continuously monitor vehicle speed and provide real-time feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts brake application based on this feedback to maintain the desired low speed, resolving the contradiction between precise speed control and manual operation difficulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical speed control with an automated electronic control system that uses rotary encoders for speed sensing and electronic brake control for speed regulation, eliminating the imprecision of manual control while maintaining ease of operation through automated regulation.
2Productivity
If vehicle speed increases to improve productivity, then more road can be marked per hour, but marking precision and uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic speed control that automatically adjusts vehicle speed to maintain optimal marking quality. The system allows speed variations only when appropriate for the work being performed, while maintaining precise low speeds when marking uniformity is critical, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the speed parameter dynamically based on operational requirements. The control system monitors and adjusts vehicle speed to maintain it within optimal ranges for high-quality marking while allowing higher speeds when productivity is prioritized, resolving the trade-off between marking speed and marking uniformity.
3Measurement precision
If rotary encoders and brake control systems are added to existing vehicles, then precise low speed control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the control system to perform multiple functions: speed measurement, speed regulation, and work depth control. By making the system multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise speed regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting brake application based on encoder feedback without requiring constant operator intervention. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity despite the added hardware, as the system autonomously maintains precise speed control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables vehicles to maintain consistent low speeds, improving operational efficiency and precision in road marking and maintenance tasks, even on hills and curves, by regulating speed and applying appropriate braking force.
Implementation Method 1
at least one rotary encoder or the like
Implementation Method 2
one or more Eddy current or mechanical brakes
Data Source
AI summary
The invention involves a low speed control system and method for automatically regulating the speed of work vehicles or equipment and, more particularly, vehicles that apply, remove or modify roadways or road markings. The system includes a controller, a speed display, at least one rotary encoder or the like, and one or more Eddy current or mechanical brakes for inhibiting motion of the vehicle at the operator's control. The brakes may be pneumatic, spring operated, Eddy current, or hydraulic that are controlled in response to feedback from the at least one rotary encoder for compliance with the preset speed on the speed display. In another embodiment, a throttle control is also provided.